How to properly update Wi-Fi on a Xiaomi phone: from drivers to firmware

Smartphones Xiaomi, Redmi And POCO are known for their value for money, but sometimes users encounter problems unstable Wi-Fi connection, low speed, or frequent network interruptions. In 80% of cases, these problems are resolved. software update — whether it's Wi-Fi module drivers, phone firmware, or router settings. However, many users confuse "Wi-Fi updating" with rebooting the router or changing the password, which doesn't produce a lasting effect.

In this article we will look at All possible ways to update Wi-Fi on Xiaomi phones — from basic setup steps to manually flashing the wireless module. We'll pay special attention to processor-based models. Qualcomm And MediaTek, as they have different approaches to updating drivers. You'll also learn how to check if your phone needs an update and what to do if network performance worsens after an update.

1. When should I update Wi-Fi on my Xiaomi?

Before you start manipulating the system, it is important to understand whether the problem really lies in outdated softwareHere are the key signs that your phone needs an update:

• 📉 Internet speed is below 50% from that declared by the router (for example, instead of 300 Mbit/s – 80 Mbit/s).
• 🔄 Frequent connection breaks (the phone disconnects from Wi-Fi every 5-15 minutes).
• 🚫 Unable to connect to networks with modern standards (Wi-Fi 6 or WPA3).
• 🔋 Increased battery consumption when actively using Wi-Fi (the module operates in enhanced mode due to errors).
• ⚠️ Error messages like "Authentication..." or "IP address not received".

If any of these symptoms occur, first check MIUI firmware version And Wi-Fi driversTo do this:

1. Open Settings → About phone → MIUI version.
2. Remember the current version (eg. MIUI 14.0.5 Global).
3. Go to Settings → Wi-Fi → ⚙️ Advanced → Wi-Fi Driver Version (if the item is missing, use the methods from section 3).

Important! Not all Wi-Fi issues can be resolved with an update. If your phone doesn't detect not a single network or the Wi-Fi module is disabled at the hardware level (gray icon in the notification bar), the reason may be physical damage to the antenna or loose contacts on the motherboard. In such cases, diagnostics at a service center are required.

2. Method 1: Update MIUI firmware (automatically)

The easiest and safest method is system update via OTA (Over-the-air). The manufacturer regularly releases patches that fix issues with Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and the communication module. Here's how:

1. Connect your phone to stable Wi-Fi network (preferably with unlimited traffic).
2. Go to Settings → About phone → System update.
3. Click Check for updates.
4. If a new version is available, download it (the file size is usually 1.5–3 GB).
5. After downloading, click Install and wait for the reboot.

⚠️ Attention! If the phone offers to update to MIUI beta versions (marked "Developer" or "Beta"), avoid them - these builds often contain unstable Wi-Fi drivers, which can make the problem worse.

Charge your phone to at least 50%|Connect to a reliable Wi-Fi|Free up 4-5GB of storage|Disable VPN and firewalls|Back up your data-->

After the update, check the Wi-Fi connection:

• Connect to the network and run a speed test (for example, via Speedtest).
• Try moving between rooms - the connection should not be interrupted.
• Check your battery consumption in Settings → Battery → Usage (Wi-Fi should not consume >10% per hour of active use).

If problems persist, proceed to the next method.

3. Method 2: Manually update Wi-Fi drivers

On phones Xiaomi Wi-Fi drivers are built into the firmware, but they can be updated separately via recovery or FastbootThis method is suitable for advanced users, as it requires unlocking the bootloader and can potentially lead to brick (breakdown) of the device.

Before you begin, determine the model of your Wi-Fi module:

1. Install the application DevCheck from Google Play.
2. Open the tab Hardware and find the line Wi-Fi.
3. Remember the name of the chip (for example, Qualcomm WCN3990 or MediaTek MT6628).

Next, proceed depending on your processor:

🔹 For Qualcomm:

1. Download firmware for your model from the official website Xiaomi (section "Fastboot ROM").
2. Unzip the file and find the folder with the drivers (modem.img, NON-HLOS.bin).
3. Sew them through Mi Flash Tool in mode Fastboot.

🔹 For MediaTek:

1. Download scatter file for your model.
2. IN SP Flash Tool select only items related to modem And Wi-Fi.
3. Connect your phone in mode BROM (off, with the volume button held down).

⚠️ Attention! Do not flash files intended for other models - this will lead to loss of IMEI or the Wi-Fi module is not working. If you are unsure, contact a service center.

What should I do if Wi-Fi disappears after flashing the firmware?

If your Wi-Fi stops working completely after manually updating your drivers, try:

1. Reset network settings in Settings → System → Reset settings → Reset Wi-Fi, mobile network, and Bluetooth settings.

2. Flash the original firmware via Mi Flash Tool with a check mark Clean All.

3. If this doesn't help, take it to a service center to have the module re-soldered (the contacts may have been damaged during the firmware update).

4. Method 3: Reset network settings

Sometimes Wi-Fi problems occur due to conflict of saved networks or incorrect IP settings. In this case, resetting the network settings will help:

1. Go to Settings → System → Reset settings.
2. Select Reset Wi-Fi, mobile network, and Bluetooth settings.
3. Confirm the action and wait for the reboot.
4. After turning on your phone, reconnect to your Wi-Fi network.

This method removes:

• 🔐 All saved Wi-Fi passwords.
• 📡 VPN and proxy settings.
• 📱 Bluetooth device settings.
• 🌐 Static IP addresses (if configured manually).

⚠️ Attention! If your phone still won't connect to Wi-Fi after the reset, check:

• Does the network work on other devices (maybe the problem is in the router).
• Is it turned on on the phone? airplane mode or energy saving (limits background Wi-Fi activity).
• Are there any applications like this installed? Greenify or Battery Saver, which can block network processes.

5. Method 4: Update via custom firmware

If official updates don't help, you can try custom firmware like LineageOS, Pixel Experience or ArrowOSThey often contain more recent Wi-Fi drivers than stock MIUI.

🔹 Advantages of custom firmware:

• ✅ Up-to-date drivers for modern standards (Wi-Fi 6E, WPA3).
• ✅ No unnecessary Xiaomi software (less background load on the Wi-Fi module).
• ✅ Possibility of fine-tuning network parameters.

🔹 Cons:

• ❌ Warranty void (bootloader unlock required).
• ❌ Risk of "brick" if installed incorrectly.
• ❌ There may be bugs with the camera or sensors (not all drivers are ported).

📌 Installation instructions:

1. Unlock bootloader via Mi Unlock Tool (Mi account linking required).
2. Install TWRP Recovery for your model.
3. Download the appropriate firmware from the forum XDA Developers or 4PDA.
4. Sew through TWRP, having made a backup beforehand.

💡 Advice: Before installing custom firmware, check user reviews for your model—some builds may have Wi-Fi issues on specific chipsets.

Method 5: Setting up a router for Xiaomi

Sometimes the problem is not in the phone, but in incompatibility of router settings with your Wi-Fi protocol XiaomiHere's what you can do:

• 🔄 Change Wi-Fi channel in the router settings (for example, from automatic to fixed 6 or 11).
• 🔒 Disable WPA3 security (try it WPA2-PSK - some older Xiaomi models do not support the new standard).
• 📶 Enable compatibility mode (802.11 b/g/n instead of 802.11ac/ax).
• 🔧 Disable the "Band Steering" feature (if the router is dual-band).
• 🔄 Update your router firmware (older versions may conflict with phones).

📌 How to check compatibility:

1. Connect another phone to the same router (for example, Samsung or iPhone).
2. If Wi-Fi works reliably on it, the problem is in the settings. Xiaomi.
3. If all devices have problems, the router is to blame.

⚠️ Attention! On some routers (for example, TP-Link or ASUS) there is a function Airtime Fairness, which may conflict with Xiaomi phones. Disable it in the admin panel.

7. Diagnosing hardware problems

If none of the software methods helped, the problem may be in hardwareHere's how to check:

• 🔍 Visual inspection: Shine a flashlight into the SIM card slot. If you see signs of oxidation or moisture, the Wi-Fi module contacts are most likely oxidized.
• 📱 Antenna test: Install the application WiFi Analyzer and look at the signal level (dBm). If it is lower -70 dBm in close proximity to the router - the antenna is faulty.
• 🔋 Checking when heated: If Wi-Fi disappears when the phone heats up (for example, after 10 minutes of playing), this is a sign chip failure (re-soldering required).

🔧 What you can do yourself:

1. Tap the back of your phone near the top left corner (where the Wi-Fi module is usually located). If the network appears, this confirms a poor connection.
2. Try it warm up the phone with a hairdryer (temperature 60–80°C) — if Wi-Fi works, the problem is in microcracks on the board.

⚠️ Attention! If the phone has been dropped or got wet, do not try to disassemble it yourself - V Xiaomi Adhesive tapes are often used to secure the cables, and if opened carelessly, the antenna can be damaged.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions

🔹 Why has Wi-Fi become worse after the MIUI update?

This is a common issue when upgrading to a new firmware version, where Wi-Fi drivers may be less optimized for your model. Solutions:

1. Roll back to the previous version of MIUI via Fastboot.
2. Install a custom kernel (eg. FrancoKernel), where the drivers are better configured.
3. Wait for the next patch (fixes are usually released within 1-2 weeks).

🔹 Is it possible to update Wi-Fi without losing data?

Yes, if you use:

• 📲 OTA update (does not erase data).
• 🔧 Flashing the firmware for the Wi-Fi module only through TWRP (without formatting /data).

But before any manipulations Be sure to make a backup through Settings → System → Backup or Mi Cloud.

🔹 How do I find out which Wi-Fi module my Xiaomi has?

There are three ways:

1. Via the app DevCheck (tab Hardware).
2. Through ADB:

   adb shell cat /proc/net/wireless

3. Disassemble the phone and look at the markings on the chip (for experienced users).

The most common modules in Xiaomi:

• Qualcomm WCN3990 (flagships, for example, Xiaomi 12 Pro).
• MediaTek MT6628 (mid and budget, for example, Redmi Note 10).
• Broadcom BCM4359 (old models, for example, Mi 9).

🔹 Why can't Xiaomi detect 5 GHz networks?

Reasons and solutions:

• 🔌 Regional restrictions: Some models (for example, for China) do not support 5 GHz. The solution is to flash the firmware global firmware.
• 🔧 5 GHz is disabled in the settings: Check in Settings → Wi-Fi → ⚙️ Advanced → Wi-Fi Band.
• 📡 Incompatibility with router: Try turning on the router mode 802.11a/n/ac instead of 802.11ax.

🔹 Is it possible to flash the Wi-Fi module separately from the firmware?

Technically yes, but that's complicated procedure, requiring:

• 🔧 Unlocked bootloader.
• 📥 Special files .img for your module (they are difficult to find for newer models).
• 💻 Ability to work with Fastboot or EDL mode.

For most users it's easier flash the full firmware or contact the service.